5601[September 1776] (Adams Papers)
Took with me to N.Y. 51 dollars and 5s. 8d. Pen. Currency in Change. An isolated entry in D/JA/25; an identical entry appears in D/JA/27 and is the last in that booklet. This is the only allusion in JA ’s Diary to his journey from Philadelphia to Staten Island and back, in company with Benjamin Franklin and Edward Rutledge, a committee appointed by Congress on 6 Sept. to confer with Admiral...
5602Sept. 10. (Adams Papers)
Took with me to N.Y. 51 dollars and 5s. 8d. Pen. Currency in Change. An isolated entry in D/JA/25; an identical entry appears in D/JA/27 and is the last in that booklet. This is the only allusion in JA ’s Diary to his journey from Philadelphia to Staten Island and back, in company with Benjamin Franklin and Edward Rutledge, a committee appointed by Congress on 6 Sept. to confer with Admiral...
5603[Monday September 9, 1776.] (Adams Papers)
Monday September 9, 1776. Resolved, that in all Continental Commissions, and other Instruments where heretofore the Words, “United Colonies,” have been used, the Stile be altered for the future to the United States. The Board of War brought in a report, which was read. On this day, Mr. Franklin, Mr. Edward Rutledge and Mr. John Adams proceeded on their Journey to Lord Howe on Staten Island,...
5604To John Adams from Daniel Hitchcock, 9 September 1776 (Adams Papers)
Received, another of your kind Favours on Monday last, for which I thank You, the Demands of my Regiment from the hourly Expectation of an Attack upon the Island of New York, gives Me only Time to say, that this Country is ondone, if a sufficient Bounty is not given to raise a Standing Army; ten Pounds N England Currency must at all Events be given, or Men will not be obtained. The Militia are...
5605From John Adams to James Warren, 8 September 1776 (Adams Papers)
I am going tomorrow Morning on an Errand to Lord Howe not to beg a Pardon, I assure you, but to hear what he has to Say. He sent Sullivan here to let Us know that he wanted a Conversation with some Members of Congress. We are going to hear him, but as Congress have voted that they cannot Send Members to talk with him in their private Capacities but will send a Committee of their Body as...
5606[Saturday September 7. 1776.] (Adams Papers)
Saturday September 7. 1776. A Letter of the 5th. from Charles Preston, Major of the 26th. Regiment a Prisoner, was read and referred to the Board of War. Resolved, that a Copy of the Resolutions passed by Congress, on the Message brought by General Sullivan, and the names of the Committee appointed, be sent to General Washington. Congress resumed the Consideration of the Report of the Board of...
5607Abigail Adams to John Adams, 7 September 1776 (Adams Papers)
Last monday I left the Town of Boston, underwent the operation of a smoaking at the lines and arrived at my Brother Cranchs where we go for purification; there I tarried till wedensday, and then came Home, which seem’d greatly endeard to me by my long absence. I think I never felt greater pleasure at comeing Home after an absence in my Life. Yet I felt a vacuum in my Breast and sent a Sigh to...
5608[Fryday September 6. 1776.] (Adams Papers)
Fryday September 6. 1776. Resolved that General Sullivan be requested to deliver to Lord Howe, the Copy of the Resolution given to him. Resolved that the Committee, “to be sent to know whether Lord Howe has any Authority to treat with persons authorized by Congress for that purpose in behalf of America, and what that Authority is, and to hear such propositions as he shall think fit to make...
5609John Adams to Abigail Adams, 6 September 1776 (Adams Papers)
This day, I think, has been the most remarkable of all. Sullivan came here from Lord Howe, five days ago with a Message that his Lordship desired a half an Hours Conversation with some of the Members of Congress, in their private Capacities. We have spent three or four days in debating whether We should take any Notice of it. I have, to the Utmost of my Abilities during the whole Time, opposed...
5610To John Adams from William Tudor, 6 September 1776 (Adams Papers)
I am exceedingly concerned to find that the New Articles of War, though passed, are not to take Place yet. The infamous Desertions, the Shameless Ravages, and seditious Speeches and mutinous Behaviour which prevail throughout your Army, call in the loudest Language for a Reform. With the present Articles, the military Government, without making Soldiers, is breeding Highwaymen and Robbers. As...
5611[Thursday September 5. 1776.] (Adams Papers)
Thursday September 5. 1776. A Petition referred to the Board of War. Resolved That General Prescot, and Brigadier General McDonald be sent by the Board of War, under an Escort, to General Washington, to be exchanged for General Sullivan and Lord Sterling. Congress resumed the Consideration of the Report of the Board of War, whereupon Resolved, That General Sullivan be requested to inform Lord...
5612John Adams to Abigail Adams, 5 September 1776 (Adams Papers)
Mr. Bass arrived this Day, with the joyfull News, that you were all well. By this Opportunity, I shall send you a Cannister of Green Tea, by Mr. Hare. Before Mr. G erry went away from hence, I asked Mrs. Yard to send a Pound of Green Tea to you. She readily agreed. When I came home at Night I was told Mr. G. was gone. I asked Mrs. Y. if she had sent the Cannister? She said Yes and that Mr. G....
5613[Wednesday September 4. 1776.] (Adams Papers)
Wednesday September 4. 1776. Resolved that the board of War be directed to call in the several Recruiting Parties of the German Battalions, and to have them formed and armed with all possible Expedition, and forwarded to New York, taking measures, and giving proper directions to have the battalion recruited to the full Compliment as soon as the same can conveniently be done. Resolved, that the...
5614John Adams to Abigail Adams, 4 September 1776 (Adams Papers)
Mr. G erry arrived Yesterday, and brought me yours of August 17. and soon afterwards the Post came in, with yours of the 25. of Aug. Am happy to find you, in so good a Way, and am glad to learn that Horses and a Man are coming. I want them much. But our Affairs having taken a Turn at Long Island and New York, so much to our Disadvantage, I cannot see my Way clear, to return home so soon as I...
5615From John Adams to Samuel Cooper, 4 September 1776 (Adams Papers)
Mr. Hare, a Brother of Mr Robert Hare, the Porter Brewer in this City is bound to Boston. He has boarded, Sometime in the Same House with me, and is very desirous of seeing the Town of Boston. He is travelling to Boston merely from the Curiosity of a Traveller, and meddles not with Politicks. He has an Inclination to see the public Buildings, your Church and the Chappell particularly. I Should...
5616From John Adams to James Warren, 4 September 1776 (Adams Papers)
It is in vain for me to think of telling you News, because you have direct Intelligence from Ticonderoga much sooner than I have, and from N. York sooner than I can transmit it to you. Before this Time the Secretary has arrived, and will give you all the Information you can wish, concerning the State of Things here. Mr. G. got in the day before Yesterday, very well. There has been a Change, in...
5617[Tuesday September 3. 1776.] (Adams Papers)
Tuesday September 3. 1776. General Sullivan, having reduced to Writing the verbal message from Lord Howe, the same was read as follows: “The following is the purport of the message of Lord Howe to Congress by General Sullivan. That, though he could not at present treat with Congress as such, yet he was very desirous of having a Conference, with some of the members, whom he would consider for...
5618[Monday. September 2. 1776.] (Adams Papers)
Monday. September 2. 1776. A Letter of the 31. of August from General Washington, inclosing the determination of a Council of War, and the reasons for quitting Long Island, and a Copy of a Letter from Lord Sterling: Also, one of the 23d from General Gates, with sundry Papers inclosed: one from sundry field Officers in the Army at Ticonderoga, dated the 19th of August, with the Proceedings...
5619[In Congress, June–August 1776] (Adams Papers)
The Committee for preparing the Model of a Treaty to be proposed to France consisted of When We met to deliberate on the Subject, I contended for the same Principles, which I had before avowed and defended in Congress, viz. That We should avoid all Alliance, which might embarrass Us in after times and involve Us in future European Wars. That a Treaty of commerce, which would opperate as a...
5620Abigail Adams to John Adams, 31 August 1776 (Adams Papers)
You know not How dissapointed I was to Night when the Post came in and I received no Letter from You. Tis the first Saturdays post which has come in since I have been in Town without a Letter from you. It has given me more pain to Night than it would any other time, because of some Falce and foolish reports I hope. I will not, more than I can help, give way to rumours which I have no reason to...
5621[Fryday August 30. 1776.] (Adams Papers)
Fryday August 30. 1776. A Memorial from Mr. Kosciusko was read and referred to the Board of War.
5622John Adams to Abigail Adams, 30 August 1776 (Adams Papers)
The two Armies, on Long Island have been shooting at each other, for this whole Week past, but We have no particular Account of the Advantages gained or Losses suffered, on either side. The General and Officers have been so taken up, with their military Operations, that they have not been able to spare Time to give Us any very particular Information, and the Post which ought to come punctually...
5623[Thursday August 29. 1776.] (Adams Papers)
Thursday August 29. 1776. A Letter of the 27th. from R. H. Harrison, the Generals Secretary, and one of the 28th. from General Mercer, both giving an Account of an Action on Long Island on the 27th. were read and referred to the Board of War. The Board of War brought in a report, which was taken into Consideration, whereupon Resolved. See the several Resolutions in the Journal. Resolved That...
5624Abigail Adams to John Adams, 29 August 1776 (Adams Papers)
I have spent the 3 days past almost intirely with you. The weather has been stormy, I have had little company, and I have amused my self in my closet reading over the Letters I have received from you since I have been here. I have possession of my Aunts chamber in which you know is a very conveniant pretty closet with a window which looks into her flower Garden. In this closet are a number of...
5625Abigail Adams to John Adams, 29 August 1776 (Adams Papers)
I have this moment sent of a Letter to the post office when Mr. Bass came in to let me know that he has got ready sooner than he expected and will now sit of. I cannot let him go without a line to tell you I feel a new flow of spirits, hope to be home and well to receive you. Write me by every Post, and let me know when you expect to sit out. My Best wishes attend you ever yours, RC ( Adams...
5626To John Adams from Samuel Holden Parsons, 29 August 1776 (Adams Papers)
In Answer to your last in which you desire some further Information respecting Shephard &c., I can inform that Lt. Colo nel Shephard belongs to West Field in the State of the Massachusetts Bay, has passed through all the Various Stages of a Soldier from Private to his Present Station in Actual Service is now about 39 Years of Age, a bold intrepid, prudent Man and in the Command of a Regiment...
5627To John Adams from William Tudor, 29 August 1776 (Adams Papers)
I had a Warrant on Sunday Morning last, from Head Quarters, for the Trial of Lieut. Col. Harman Zeidwitz Commanding Officer of Brigadier McDougal’s late Regiment, charged with “holding a treacherous Correspondence with, and giving Intelligence to the Enemies of the united American States.” The Prisoner was arraign’d, but beg’d Time till next Morning to plead, and prepare for Trial. Monday...
5628John Adams to Abigail Adams, 28 August 1776 (Adams Papers)
Mr. Benjamin Smith of S. Carolina, was kind enough to send forward from New York, your Favour of August 14 and it came safely to Hand to day. There is nothing in it, about “your Herbs,” which in your Letter of the Eighteenth instant, you wish me to remember. I am yet at a loss for your Meaning. Mr. Gerry carried a Cannister of India Herb for you, which I hope you received. Pray let me know...
5629To John Adams from Benjamin Franklin, 28 August 1776 (Adams Papers)
The Bearer Mr. Measam was a Merchant of good Reputation at Montreal; but having engag’d warmly in the American Cause, has been oblig’d to abandon that Country, to the great Detriment of his Affairs. He was appointed by Gen. Wooster a Commissary of Stores there; and apprehending Such an Officer to be at this time necessary in our Northern Army, he has apply’d to Congress for a Continuance in...
5630To John Adams from Jonathan Bayard Smith, 28 August 1776 (Adams Papers)
As I find that Mr. Christopher Ludwig is about setting off for Philadelphia in the morning, I think it a duty I owe to trouble you with a line or two by him. The troops have complaind much of their provisions, the bread in particular; tho’ they may have exaggerated matters in some instances, yet they have not been without good grounds in others. And I am glad that, by ingaging Mr. Ludwig to...
5631From Benjamin Franklin to John Adams, 28 August 1776 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : National Archives The Bearer Mr. Measam was a Merchant of good Reputation at Montreal; but having engag’d warmly in the American Cause, has been oblig’d to abandon that Country, to the great Detriment of his Affairs. He was appointed by Gen. Wooster a Commissary of Stores there; and apprehending such an Officer to be at this time necessary in our Northern Army, he has apply’d to Congress...
5632[Tuesday August 27. 1776.] (Adams Papers)
Tuesday August 27. 1776. A Letter of the 23d from General Mercer, was read and referred to the Board of War. The Board of War brought in a report, which was taken into Consideration; whereupon Resolved. See the several Resolutions in the Journal. The Committee to whom the Letter from Colonel Wilson was referred brought in a Report, which was taken into Consideration; whereupon Congress came to...
5633John Adams to Abigail Adams, 27 August 1776 (Adams Papers)
Within this half Hour, I received yours of the 18 by the Post. I have only Time before the Post goes out again to thank you for it, and to express my Resignation to the Will of Heaven whatever it may be respecting my dear Charles. I think his Fate is very uncertain. I will hope the best, but Symptoms so terrible indicate the Utmost danger. Besides he will be more troublesome than the rest, if...
5634X. Draft Preamble of Committee Report on Inducing Foreign Officers to Desert, 27 August 1776 (Adams Papers)
Whereas it is probable, that among the Officers of the foreign Troops, now in the Service of the King of Great Britain, there may be many, of liberal Minds, possessed of just Sentiments of the Rights of human Nature and the inestimable Value of Freedom; who may be prompted, by the Feelings of Humanity, and a just Indignation at the disgracefull service to which they are devoted by an infamous...
563527 August., 27 August 1776 (Adams Papers)
27 August. The congress resolved that the expense of clothing the soldiers for the Continental Army raised in Virginia be assumed by the Continent and deducted from the soldiers’ pay and that Mr. Measam’s petition for compensation be referred to the Treasury Board ( JCC Worthington C. Ford and others, eds., Journals of the Continental Congress , 1774–1789, Washington, 1904–1937; 34 vols. ,...
5636II. Committee Report on A Plan of Treaties, 27 August 1776 (Adams Papers)
There shall be a firm, inviolable, and universal peace, and a true and sincere friendship between A. and B. and the subjects of A. and of B. and between the countries, islands, cities, and towns situate under the jurisdiction of A. and of B. and the people and inhabitants thereof of every degree, without exception of persons or places; and the Terms herein after mentioned shall be perpetual...
5637From John Adams to Joseph Palmer, 27 August 1776 (Adams Papers)
Your Favour of July 1. ought not to have lain by me, so long unanswered. But the old Apology of Multiplicity of Avocations is Threadbare. You Say you have been obliged to attend much upon the Fortifications. I am glad of it. I wish I could obtain Information what Fortifications have been erected, on the Islands in the Harbour, and on the Eminencies round it, of what Kind those Fortifications...
5638[Monday August 26. 1776.] (Adams Papers)
Monday August 26. 1776. Three Letters of the 22 and 23 from General Washington with sundry Papers inclosed; a Letter from William Finnie, deputy Quarter Master general of the southern department, were read, and referred to the Board of War. A Letter of the 22d. from Colonel James Wilson, was read, and referred to Mr. Jefferson, Mr. Franklin and Mr. John Adams. See the following entry (27 Aug.)...
5639Abigail Adams to John Adams, 25 August 1776 (Adams Papers)
I sent Johnny last Evening to the Post office for Letters. He soon returnd and pulling one from under his Gown gave it me, the young Rogue smiling and watching Mammas countanance draws out an other, and then an other, highly gratified to think he had so many presents to bestow. Our Friends are very kind. My Father sends his Horse and Dr. Tufts has offerd me an other one he had of unkle Q uinc...
5640John Adams to Abigail Adams, 25 August 1776 (Adams Papers)
The day before Yesterday and Yesterday, We expected Letters and Papers by the Post, but by some Accident, or Mismanagement of the Riders, no Post is arrived yet, which has been a great Disappointment to me. I watch, with longing Eyes for the Post, because you have been very good of late in writing by every one. I long to hear, that Charles is in as fair a Way, thro the Distemper as the rest of...
5641From John Adams to Joseph Hawley, 25 August 1776 (Adams Papers)
It is So long Since I had the Pleasure of Writing to you, or the Honour of receiving a Letter from You, that I have forgotten, on which side the Ballance of the Account lies, at least which wrote the last letter. But Ceremonies of this Kind ought not to interrupt a free Communication of sentiments, in Times So critical and important as these. We have been apt to flatter ourselves, with gay...
5642From John Adams to Henry Knox, 25 August 1776 (Adams Papers)
Your Favour of the 21. is before me. I agree that We ought to have an hundred more of Mortars, Howitzers, and Field Pieces, And if I knew where to procure the Brass, I should be glad to promote the Manufacture of that Number. You Say that Copper can be purchased at a little advanced Price. I wish I knew, where, and at what Price. We have contracted with a Gentleman in Maryland, for a large...
5643From John Adams to Daniel Hitchcock, 24 August 1776 (Adams Papers)
Yours of the Twenty Second is before me. You mention, the Delicacy of appointing, an Officer of the Same State over another. And you put the Case of Coll Varnum and yourself. I have been a long Time puzzled to account, for Varnums Standing on the List of Colonells before you, whom I know to be many Years older than that Gentleman, has been represented to me to be. I have heard, this young...
5644From John Adams to William Tudor, 24 August 1776 (Adams Papers)
Your Favours of 18 and 19 of August are before me. I am much obliged to you for them, and am determined to pursue this Correspondence, untill I can obtain a perfect Knowledge of the Characters of our Field Officers. If the Colonell quits the Regiment Austin will certainly be promoted, unless Some Stain can be fixed upon his Character, Since he has been in the Army. His Genius is equal to any...
5645To John Adams from Benjamin Lincoln, 24 August 1776 (Adams Papers)
Mrs. Adams mentioned to me last evening that you wanted to know the state of our forts, the number of men we have to support the lines and the number of cannon in the town and vicinity of Boston. She desired I would write upon those matters. We have on Fort Hill in Boston a square fort about an hundred feet Curtin with four Bastions, a good ditch with pickets therein; a small fort at...
5646[Fryday August 23. 1776.] (Adams Papers)
Fryday August 23. 1776. A Letter of the 21. from General Washington inclosing a Copy of a Letter from him to Lord Howe, together with his Lordships Answer was read: Resolved That the same be referred to the Board of War, with orders to publish the General’s Letter to Lord Howe, and his Lordships Answer.
5647To John Adams from Abraham Clark, 23 August 1776 (Adams Papers)
Colo. Dayton, who with his battalion is Stationed at Fort Stanwix, informs me no Regimental Paymaster hath been appointed to his battalion, and Genl Schuyler does not conceive himself Authorized to appoint one. Jonathan Dayton, a son of the Colo, is Recommended as a proper person for that Station, his father offers to become Security for his faithful discharge of the Office. Mr. Caldwell the...
5648To John Adams from Thomas Edwards, 23 August 1776 (Adams Papers)
In the general Calamity of the times, I find there is little or no Business to be had unless help’d and push’d forward by some able and powerful Friend; Necessity at length obliges me to seek one, and I apply to you, Sir, in preference to another on Account of the Notice you have heretofore taken of me; I have delay’d this Application thus long, lest I should give you trouble, not that the...
5649To John Adams from Horatio Gates, 23 August 1776 (Adams Papers)
I have the Satisfaction to acquaint You that immediately after my Arrival here I appointed Mr. Rice a Major of Brigade. He is a most deserving young Man and will do Honour to the profession. The Inclosed from Lieutt. Col. Baldwin I have the pleasure to send You, and entreat you will endeavour to procure him the Rank he Requests. I can assure You Sir he is a most Excellent Officer, and the Only...
5650[Thursday August 22. 1776.] (Adams Papers)
Thursday August 22. 1776. Letters from Generals Washington and Schuyler with Papers inclosed, referred to the Board of War. The Board of War brought in a Report, which was read: ordered to lie on the Table. The Committee to whom the Letter from General Washington of the 18th was referred, brought in a report which was read: ordered to lie on the Table. A Committee of the whole on the Form of a...